Bath water capacity increasing apparatus

ABSTRACT

A bath water capacity increasing apparatus includes a waterproof plate, a lower overflow opening, at least one upper overflow opening, a left tub attachment hole, and a right tub attachment hole. The lower overflow opening concentrically traverses through the waterproof plate. The left tub attachment hole and the right tub attachment hole are positioned opposite of each other about the lower overflow opening. The left tub attachment hole traverses through the waterproof plate. The right tub attachment hole traverses through the waterproof plate. The lower overflow opening, the left tub attachment hole, and the right tub attachment hole are linearly aligned with each other. The at least one upper overflow opening is positioned atop the lower overflow opening, the left tub attachment hole, and the right tub attachment hole. The at least one upper overflow opening traverses through the waterproof plate.

The current application claims a priority to the U.S. Provisional Patent application Ser. No. 62/803,541 filed on Feb. 10, 2019.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to a device that can increase the bathwater depth. More specifically, the present invention is bath water capacity increasing apparatus that increases the standard depth of the bath water thus enabling the users to fully submerge their body in the bathwater.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Presently, bathtub owners are restricted to shallow depth due to the standard height of the overflow drain hole. Generally, shallow depth is not deep enough to allow users to lay down and submerge their entire body in the water. Additionally, when an individual lies down in a bathtub a large amount of water is lost through the overflow drain hole. This can lead to exposed body parts, which creates an uncomfortable chill. Furthermore, users have to often refill the bathtub for a deeper soak, which can unnecessarily increase the water bill.

It is therefore an objective of the present invention provide an apparatus that can increase the bathwater level without any major modification to their existing tubs. More specifically, the present invention provides a device that allows the consumer the ability to take more fulfilling baths in a deeper tub by increasing the water level capacity of any traditional bathtub to allow one's body to remain submerged during a bath or soak. The present invention includes an add-on drain plate that can be retrofitted on the overflow drain plate to increase the water capacity by at least two inches. Resultantly, the present invention enables users to fully submerge their body for longer period of time for both relaxation and therapeutic purposes.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a rear perspective view of the present invention, wherein the overflow drain plate is attached with the pair of elongated fasteners.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the present invention, showing the overflow drain plate is positioned in front of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a front exploded view of the present invention along with the overflow drain plate and the pair of elongated fasteners.

FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of the present invention along with the pair of elongated fasteners.

FIG. 5 is a front view of the waterproof plate, showing the transverse plane and the sagittal plane and the at least one upper overflow opening is multiple opening.

FIG. 6 is a front view of the waterproof plate, showing the transverse plane and the chord.

FIG. 7 is a front view of the waterproof plate, wherein the at least one upper overflow opening is a single opening and the waterproof plate is delineated by the circumference of the waterproof plate.

FIG. 8 is a front view of the waterproof plate, wherein the waterproof plate is delineated by the bottom arc of the waterproof plate and the chord.

DETAIL DESCRIPTIONS OF THE INVENTION

All illustrations of the drawings are for the purpose of describing selected versions of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

The present invention is bath water capacity increasing apparatus that can increase the bathwater depth without any major modification to their existing tubs. As a result, the present invention enables one's body to remain submerged during a bath or soak thus allowing the consumer the ability to take more fulfilling baths by increasing the water level capacity of any traditional bathtub. The present invention comprises a waterproof plate 1, a lower overflow opening 5, at least one upper overflow opening 6, a left tub attachment hole 10, and a right tub attachment hole 11 as shown in FIG. 1-3.

In reference to the general configuration of the present invention, the waterproof plate 1 is configured to compressed in between the overflow drain hole of the tub and the existing overflow drain plate. The lower overflow opening 5 that functions as a first drain option of the present invention concentrically traverses through the waterproof plate 1. The left tub attachment hole 10 and the right tub attachment hole 11 are positioned opposite of each other about the lower overflow opening 5 so that a pair of elongated fasteners can secure the waterproof plate 1 to the tub. The left tub attachment hole 10 traverses through the waterproof plate 1. The right tub attachment hole 11 traverses through the waterproof plate 1. The lower overflow opening 5, the left tub attachment hole 10, and the right tub attachment hole 11 are linearly aligned with each other thus positioning the lower overflow opening 5 above the standard opening of the existing overflow drain plate. The at least one upper overflow opening 6 is positioned atop the lower overflow opening 5, the left tub attachment hole 10, and the right tub attachment hole 11. The at least one upper overflow opening 6 traverses through the waterproof plate 1 so that the present invention is able to provide a second drain option that is positioned above the first drain option.

The waterproof plate 1 is preferably shaped similar to the existing overflow drain plate so that the waterproof plate 1 and the existing overflow drain plate can be perimetrically aligned with each other. Furthermore, the waterproof plate 1 is able to prevent moisture penetration thus preventing mold or fungus growth within the present invention. In reference to FIG. 5-6, the waterproof plate 1 comprises a transverse plane 4, a sagittal plane 3, and a chord 2. More specifically, the transverse plane 4 is aligned across the left tub attachment hole 10 and the right tub attachment hole 11 thus delineating a top half and a bottom half for the waterproof plate 1. The sagittal plane 3 is symmetrically aligned in between the left tub attachment hole 10 and the right tub attachment hole 11 thus delineating a left half and a right half for the waterproof plate 1. The chord 2 is positioned parallel to the transverse plane 4 and positioned atop the transverse plane 4 so that the exact positioning of the at least one upper overflow opening 6 can be defined within the present invention.

The lower overflow opening 5 is concentrically positioned to the transverse plane 4 and the sagittal plane 3 so that the present invention is able to facilitate the first drain option as shown in FIG. 3. More specifically, when the present invention is engaged within the overflow drain hole of the tub and the existing overflow drain plate, the water level can be increased from the standard opening of the existing overflow drain plate to the lower overflow opening 5. In other words, once water reaches the standard opening of the existing overflow drain plate, water does not drain into the overflow drain hole of the tub as the bottom half of the waterproof plate 1 conceals the overflow drain hole of the tub. As a result, the water level continuously increases until it reaches the lower overflow opening 5. Then, the increased water level can be maintained within the tub as excess water discharges into the overflow drain hole of the tub through the lower overflow opening 5.

The at least one upper overflow opening 6 is positioned atop the transverse plane 4 and concentrically aligned along the sagittal plane 3 so that the present invention is able to facilitate the second drain option as shown in FIG. 4. More specifically, when the present invention is engaged within the overflow drain hole of the tub and the existing overflow drain plate, the water level can be increased from the standard opening of the existing overflow drain plate to the at least one upper overflow opening 6. In order to block water drainage through the lower overflow opening 5, the present invention further comprises a drain plug 14 that selectively seals the lower overflow opening 5. In other words, once water reaches the standard opening of the existing overflow drain plate, water does not drain into the overflow drain hole of the tub as the bottom half of the waterproof plate 1 conceals the overflow drain hole of the tub. As a result, the water level continuously increases until it reaches the lower overflow opening 5. However, due to the selective placement of the drain plug 14 that conceals the lower overflow opening 5, water does not drain through the lower overflow opening 5 and continuously increases until it reaches the at least one upper overflow opening 6. The increased water level can then be maintained within the tub as excess water discharges into the overflow drain hole of the tub through the at least one upper overflow opening 6.

The present invention further comprises a left bushing 12 and a right bushing 13 as shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4. The left bushing 12 is concentrically aligned with the left tub attachment hole 10 so that water is not able to penetrate through the left tub attachment hole 10. Similarly, the right bushing 13 is concentrically aligned with the right tub attachment hole 11 so that water is not able to penetrate through the right tub attachment hole 11. The left bushing 12 and the right bushing 13 are preferably made from rubber or similar types of waterproof and flexible materials so that the pair of elongated fasteners can compress them against the waterproof plate 1 during the installation process of the present invention. More specifically, the left bushing 12 and the right bushing 13 are respectively engaged within the left tub attachment hole 10 and the right tub attachment hole 11 thus allowing the pair of elongated fasteners to slide through.

In some embodiment of the present invention, the at least one upper overflow opening 6 is a single opening as shown in FIG. 7. Preferably, the single opening is formed into an oval shape so that water can efficiently discharge into the overflow drain hole of the tub. However, the at least one upper overflow opening 6 is not limited to the oval shape and can be any other types of geometric shapes. Furthermore, a diameter of the at least one upper overflow opening 6 is preferably larger than the diameter of the lower overflow opening 5 so that the present invention can discharge excess water into the overflow drain hole of the tub without flooding the bathroom.

In some embodiment of the present invention, the at least one upper overflow opening 6 comprises an upper left opening 7, an upper right opening 8, and an upper intermediate opening 9 as shown in FIG. 6. The upper left opening 7, the upper right opening 8, and the upper intermediate opening 9 are positioned along the chord 2. The upper left opening 7, the upper right opening 8, and the upper intermediate opening 9 traverse through the waterproof plate 1 so that water can discharge into the overflow drain hole of the tub through multiple openings. The upper left opening 7, the upper right opening 8, and the upper intermediate opening 9 are preferably formed into a circular shape so that water can efficiently discharge into the overflow drain hole of the tub. However, the at least one upper overflow opening 6 is not limited to the circular shape and can be any other types of geometric shapes.

In some embodiment of the present invention, the shape of the waterproof plate 1 is delineated by a circumference of the waterproof plate 1 as shown in FIG. 6-7. In other words, waterproof plate 1 is an annular body and matches most of the existing overflow drain plate.

In some embodiment of the present invention, the shape of the waterproof plate 1 is delineated by a bottom arc of the waterproof plate 1 and the chord 2 as shown in FIG. 8. In other words, a section that is perimetrically covered by a top arc section and the chord 2 is voided within the waterproof plate 1. As a result, the waterproof plate 1 is able to provide faster drain rate for excess water within the present invention.

The present invention is able to improve upon the reliability by eliminating any mechanical or moving components that can wear out causing malfunctions. Furthermore, the present invention can be easily installed to the existing tubs by any individual due to the simplicity. In reference to the method of installation, the user first removes the existing overflow drain plate and any optional pre-existing backing plates that are attached around the overflow drain hole of the tub. Then, the left tub attachment hole 10 and the right tub attachment hole 11 are concentrically aligned with the corresponding attachment hole of the tub. The user can then decide to install the drain plug 14 to the lower overflow opening 5 or not to select the specific water level. For example, when the first drain option is selected, the drain plug 14 is not attached to the lower overflow opening 5 so that excess water can drain through the lower overflow opening 5. When the second drain option is selected, the drain plug 14 is attached to the lower overflow opening 5 so that excess water can drain through the least one upper overflow opening 6. Once the preferred water level is selected, the user can reattach the existing overflow drain plate and any optional pre-existing backing plates over the waterproof plate 1 via the pair of elongated fasteners. Once the present invention is installed, the waterproof plate 1 is concealed within the existing overflow drain plate thus providing a seamless appearance.

Although the invention has been explained in relation to its preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed. 

What is claimed is:
 1. Bath water capacity increasing apparatus comprising: a waterproof plate; a lower overflow opening; at least one upper overflow opening; a left tub attachment hole; a right tub attachment hole; the lower overflow opening concentrically traversing through the waterproof plate; the left tub attachment hole and the right tub attachment hole being positioned opposite of each other about the lower overflow opening; the left tub attachment hole traversing through the waterproof plate; the right tub attachment hole traversing through the waterproof plate; the lower overflow opening, the left tub attachment hole, and the right tub attachment hole being linearly aligned with each other; the at least one upper overflow opening being positioned atop the lower overflow opening, the left tub attachment hole, and the right tub attachment hole; and the at least one upper overflow opening traversing through the waterproof plate.
 2. Bath water capacity increasing apparatus as claimed in claim 1 comprising: the waterproof plate comprising a transverse plane and a sagittal plane; the transverse plane being aligned across the left tub attachment hole and the right tub attachment hole; the sagittal plane being symmetrically aligned in between the left tub attachment hole and the right tub attachment hole; and the lower overflow opening concentrically positioned to the transverse plane and the sagittal plane.
 3. Bath water capacity increasing apparatus as claimed in claim 1 comprising; the waterproof plate comprising a transverse plane and a sagittal plane; the transverse plane being aligned across the left tub attachment hole and the right tub attachment hole; the sagittal plane being symmetrically aligned in between the left tub attachment hole and the right tub attachment hole; the at least one upper overflow opening being positioned atop the transverse plane; and the at least one upper overflow opening being concentrically aligned along the sagittal plane.
 4. Bath water capacity increasing apparatus as claimed in claim 1 comprising: the waterproof plate comprising a transverse plane and a chord; the at least one upper overflow opening comprising an upper left opening, an upper right opening, and an upper intermediate opening; the transverse plane being aligned across the left tub attachment hole and the right tub attachment hole; the chord being positioned parallel to the transverse plane; the chord being positioned atop the transverse plane; the upper left opening, the upper right opening, and the upper intermediate opening being positioned along the chord; and the upper left opening, the upper right opening, and the upper intermediate opening traversing through the waterproof plate.
 5. Bath water capacity increasing apparatus as claimed in claim 4, wherein shape of the waterproof plate is delineated by a circumference of the waterproof plate.
 6. Bath water capacity increasing apparatus as claimed in claim 4, wherein shape of the waterproof plate is delineated by a bottom arc of the waterproof plate and the chord.
 7. Bath water capacity increasing apparatus as claimed in claim 1 comprising: a left bushing; a right bushing; the left bushing being concentrically aligned with the left tub attachment hole; and the right bushing being concentrically aligned with the right tub attachment hole.
 8. Bath water capacity increasing apparatus as claimed in claim 1 comprising: a drain plug; and the lower overflow opening being selectively sealed by the drain plug, wherein the concealing of the lower overflow opening allows the bath water to rise up to the at least one upper overflow opening.
 9. Bath water capacity increasing apparatus comprising: a waterproof plate; a lower overflow opening; at least one upper overflow opening; a left tub attachment hole; a right tub attachment hole; a left bushing; a right bushing; the lower overflow opening concentrically traversing through the waterproof plate; the left tub attachment hole and the right tub attachment hole being positioned opposite of each other about the lower overflow opening; the left tub attachment hole traversing through the waterproof plate; the right tub attachment hole traversing through the waterproof plate; the left bushing being concentrically aligned with the left tub attachment hole; the right bushing being concentrically aligned with the right tub attachment hole; the lower overflow opening, the left tub attachment hole, and the right tub attachment hole being linearly aligned with each other; the at least one upper overflow opening being positioned atop the lower overflow opening, the left tub attachment hole, and the right tub attachment hole; and the at least one upper overflow opening traversing through the waterproof plate.
 10. Bath water capacity increasing apparatus as claimed in claim 9 comprising: the waterproof plate comprising a transverse plane and a sagittal plane; the transverse plane being aligned across the left tub attachment hole and the right tub attachment hole; the sagittal plane being symmetrically aligned in between the left tub attachment hole and the right tub attachment hole; and the lower overflow opening concentrically positioned to the transverse plane and the sagittal plane.
 11. Bath water capacity increasing apparatus as claimed in claim 9 comprising; the waterproof plate comprising a transverse plane and a sagittal plane; the transverse plane being aligned across the left tub attachment hole and the right tub attachment hole; the sagittal plane being symmetrically aligned in between the left tub attachment hole and the right tub attachment hole; the at least one upper overflow opening being positioned atop the transverse plane; and the at least one upper overflow opening being concentrically aligned along the sagittal plane.
 12. Bath water capacity increasing apparatus as claimed in claim 9 comprising: the waterproof plate comprising a transverse plane and a chord; the at least one upper overflow opening comprising an upper left opening, an upper right opening, and an upper intermediate opening; the transverse plane being aligned across the left tub attachment hole and the right tub attachment hole; the chord being positioned parallel to the transverse plane; the chord being positioned atop the transverse plane; the upper left opening, the upper right opening, and the upper intermediate opening being positioned along the chord; and the upper left opening, the upper right opening, and the upper intermediate opening traversing through the waterproof plate.
 13. Bath water capacity increasing apparatus as claimed in claim 12, wherein shape of the waterproof plate is delineated by a circumference of the waterproof plate.
 14. Bath water capacity increasing apparatus as claimed in claim 12, wherein shape of the waterproof plate is delineated by a bottom arc of the waterproof plate and the chord.
 15. Bath water capacity increasing apparatus as claimed in claim 9 comprising: a drain plug; and the lower overflow opening being selectively sealed by the drain plug, wherein the concealing of the lower overflow opening allows the bath water to rise up to the at least one upper overflow opening. 